Villagers are making their voices heard about part retrospective plans to create an access point from the historic Trawden tram tracks.
A number of objections to the application, which also include proposals for two parking spaces, have been posted on Pendle Council’s planning website. A Facebook page against the plans has also been set up.
Residents are expected to attend the next Pendle Council Colne and District Committee meeting on Thursday to raise their concerns.
These include fears that a part of Trawden’s heritage could be destroyed, that damage has already been caused to trees, shrubbery and cobbles by excavation machinery. and that traffic could be increased - ultimately posing a danger to walkers.
They are also concerned that it would encourage other homeowners in Lane House to submit similar applications.
Coun. Sarah Cockburn-Price said: “A number of Trawden residents have contacted me with their concerns about the despoliation of this famous bit of Trawden’s heritage – the tram tracks.
“I have spoken to local residents and passing walkers and all the people I have spoken to appear to share a single view that this work should not have been carried out without planning permission and now that it has, the trees and shrubbery should be restored.
“This topic should be on the agenda of Colne Area Committee at Colne Town Hall on 6th November at 7pm, so if you have a view on this, pro or anti, you should register to speak.”
Trawden resident Amanda Cunningham added: “We are not happy that this has been done, and that planning permission has then been put in to make it an access driveway.”
And Uday Patel, speaking on behalf of Lancashire County Council’s Highway’s Developer Support Section, has also shown opposition to the plans on highway grounds.
He said: “Considering the practical nature of the track with narrow width, no street lights, no passing places, high and heavy grown vegetation with little or almost no maintenance, it is considered unsafe for vehicular traffic to be on the existing tram track.”
Pendle Council can confirm that a retrospective planning application has been submitted for work to be carried out which alters access from the old tram tracks in Lane House, Trawden.
Neil Watson, planning and building control manager, said: “The application is likely to be determined at the November Colne and District Committee meeting.
“If anyone would like to comment on the plans they can write to us or do it online – www.pendle.gov.uk/planning using reference number 13/14/0454P.”
